Politics & Government
Video: Bishop Holds Community Office Hours
Congressman meets with constituents at Patchogue Village Hall.
Congressman Tim Bishop, D-Southampton, recenlty held community office hours at Patchogue Village Hall to meet with his constituents over 10-minute appointments.
Despite the recent tragedy in Tuscon in which Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and several others were shot during a similar event, Bishop was able to continue the event with a minor change.
“After the tragedy in Tuscon, we were visited by Suffolk County police and the Suffolk County sheriff and each offered their assistance to us in terms of security,” Bishop said.
Officers from the Suffolk County Police department and from the Village of Patchogue were on staff for security during Bishop's office hours, but the scene at the hall remained calm as constituents waited for appointments with either the congressman or his staff.
“The congressman felt that given what happened in Tuscon that it was more important then ever to get out and make it clear that we were not going to let that deter the way he represents the district,” said Jon Schneider, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Tim Bishop.
Bishop said he was able to have 10-minute appointments with 18 people who came to discuss issues such as health care, small business and blighted neighborhoods.
Residents said they were not deterred by the events in Tuscon from coming to the office hours.
Craig Thomson, a nearby resident, said before his appointment with the congressman that he wanted to discuss Route 112 in Medford.
“A lot of the car dealerships are very empty and it’s not very walker friendly,” Thomson said.
Dr. Hella Baer of Patchogue, met with the congressman and said that she wanted to discuss a repeal to the second ammendment (the right to bear arms) as well as her concerns on health care for older citizens.
Michael Karris, a nearby resident, discussed with the congressman the mental health care system, which he says has failed a friend of his that is now incarcerated.
“It’s the whole range of isues and that’s why these are so valuable. In many cases we are able to help the issues that the people brought to our attention and in other cases it’s just as important to know what’s on the minds of my constituents,” Bishop said.
